Business Overview

Evelia Chaquí, owner of Luis’s Kiosk, which is open from 7:00am – 8:00 pm every day, aims to continually sell many popular items and constantly improve her inventory. Located by the church, this business was temporarily suspended as they underwent construction from wood to cinderblock.

Luis's Kiosk - Piriatí, Panamá

Economic Challenge

The community of Piriati is located in the east of Panama, right off the main road, and has a population of approximately 497 people. Evelia started this business in 2014 and has since then been attempting to further expand and grow. The business has been undergoing construction over the last few months, resulting in a loss of sales and regular clientele. Evelia has struggled to maintain a consistent financial record of sales and inventory which has further hindered expansion, such as opening up a restaurant. She hopes to restablish her Kiosk in the community and gain the necessary knowledge for future expansion.

The Business

Previous brigades have recommended to use signs and or menus for advertising, keeping a daily ledger, acquiring chairs and tables for the front patio and finally, entering into a new relationship with a new supplier to further diversify their inventory.

Competitive Advantage

The business is located near a school and church and thus receives a heavy amount of foot traffic, particularly from students.

Obstacles

Her store will be back into business soon, and during the transition from wood to cinderblock she has lost a large group of regular clients. In addition, due to the lack of financial records, financial planning has proven to be very difficult and limits her from making further adjustments to her business.

Business Snapshot

Estimated Annual Revenue
1440.00
Total Assets Value
1440.00
Cost of Sales
1296
Inventory Value
60
Total Gross Profits
144

Next Steps

The tasks thatLuis's Kiosk has prioritized are:


1: Finalization of the kiosk construction.
2: Budget and invest on inventory
3: Re-establish the store in the local market of Piriatí Emberá

Business Brigades that have consulted this business:

Chapter
Date
# of Volunteers
Chapter
Date
# of Volunteers
Yale
2016
1
UNC
2016
3
University of Denver
2016
1

Page Last Updated:November 26, 2019